Simply CremationObituaries
Ruben “Chief” Pelkey
Ruben Pelkey Sr., age 74, of Avondale, Arizona died on December 12th, 2019 in Goodyear, Arizona. He was born on March 4th, 1945 to his loving mother, Amilia Baldreas.
Ruben grew up in Banning, California with his mom, siblings and his uncle who helped raise him. Ruben went to Banning High School and was best friends with Dino Villarreal. Dino accidentally introduced Ruben to his big sister Consuelo, who would eventually become his wife. It was anything but love at first sight when the two were growing up. Consuelo had no interest in Ruben at first because at the time she was taller than him. Ruben was able to eventually win Consuelo over with his kind heart and the two became high school sweethearts. Ruben and Consuelo would ultimately marry on July 17th, 1965 and shared 57 beautiful years together.
Over the course of their marriage, Ruben and Consuelo would have six beautiful children. Ruben was the “chief” of his tribe and his children loved and respected him, unconditionally. He was an excellent father who believed that you showed love to your family all of the time and would do anything to “make it right” when one of his kids was upset.
Ruben loved to play baseball and was a member of “The Vagos,” with his best friend Dino as the team manager. He also loved to dance and would often take Consuelo out on dates, just so he could show off his dance moves. Ruben was an excellent fisherman and cook. His BBQ’s were famous throughout his group of friends. His Tri-tip and carne asada would have friends and family running to his house.
One of Ruben’s greatest accomplishments was when he quit smoking. Ruben used to smoke two packs of cigarettes a day but after reflecting on his family and how much they meant to him, he began the difficult journey of quitting smoking. His choice to go through this difficult journey just showed how much he loved his family.
Ruben is survived by “his pretty pretty,” loving wife Consuelo Pelkey, three daughters; Lucinda Powers (Bill), Caroline Ferreia (Mark) and Amy Knopp. Two sons; Ruben Pelkey Jr. (Marslina), and Daniel Pelkey (Cynthia). Sisters; Liz Arrerla, Lorrine Mendoza, and Elisa Garcia, brother Jesse Mendez, uncle Nieves Baldres, thirteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by Doreen Rodriquez, Gabriella Ferreria, Joe Baldreas, Pauline Aveliva, and Amilia Baldreas.
Donald L. Coffman
Mr. Donald L. Coffman, 66, of Waddell, AZ passed away at home, Thursday, December 12th, 2019, following a brief illness. He was born November 28th, 1953, in Erie, PA, son of the late John and Margaret Coffman. Don spent 4 years traveling the world as a cook in the Navy. After his time in the Navy, Don went on to be an EMT and volunteer firefighter for Summit Township. In 2014, he retired from International Paper after spending more than 30 years with the company. Don was also a member of IBEW and worked in construction for many years.
He is survived by his immediate family, Robert, Janet, Stephanie, RyAnn, Katie and Clara Coffman, with whom he shared the last 5 years of his life. He is also survived by his brothers James (Dawn) Coffman, Daniel (Dana) Coffman, and David Coffman; nieces and nephews, as well as many cousins and friends. In his younger days, Don was an avid roller-skater at Evan’s Skateland, and he loved going to Erie Seawolves, Erie Otters and Arizona Diamondback games. He enjoyed watching sports, especially Steelers Football. He was a huge fan of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and John Wick. He also enjoyed listening to music in his spare time.
Condolences for the family may be left at www.simplycremationaz.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Simply Cremation in Surprise, AZ.
Geraldine “Gerri” Bach
Geraldine “Gerri” Bach, age 101, of Goodyear Arizona died December 5th, 2019 of natural causes. She was born September 1st, 1918 in Midland Arkansas to Elmo House and Maude White.
Geraldine had two children who she loved with her whole heart. She was a stay at home mom who went above and beyond for her children. She would make their clothes for them and always made the most beautiful dresses for her daughter, Karen. Geraldine, also, loved to bake, especially around the holidays. She was famous in her family for her Christmas Cookie recipe.
Geraldine was an avid reader and would often read the same books as her daughter, Karen, so the two had something to bond over. She was also an original member of the Eastern Stars.
Gerri is survived by her children Michael Bach (Janette) & Karen Myrdahl (Mark); grandchildren, Jason Bach (Jodie), Sara Evick, Andrew Myrdahl (Andrea), Melanie Davis, James Bickford & Nathaniel Bickford, and 8 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud (Carruth), 2 great-granddaughters & a great-great-grandson.
Phillip L. Petersen
Mr. Phillip Lee Petersen, 63 of Surprise, AZ, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 26, 2019, in Sun City, AZ. He was born June 29, 1956, to Alfred and Doris Petersen in Big Spring, TX. He served as Senior Chief Petty Officer Machinist’s Mate in the United States Navy from 1974 to 1993.
His rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer Machinist’s Mate in the Navy was one of his greatest accomplishments, and what he was most proud of. At the time, he was the youngest enlisted member to achieve that rank in the Navy. After leaving the Navy, he began working in the nuclear and power industry, with only a high school diploma. An accomplishment that is completely unheard of even by today’s standards.
Phil was a man who was content with simple things in life and enjoyed making those around him, laugh. He was quick-witted and his sister, Patty, knew that as she was the lucky recipient of all his teasing.
Those who were close to Phil knew that he loved his dogs, he was a fan of Joe Bonamassa and Formula 1 Racing. Phil had a bucket list and one of the items on his list was to go to a Formula 1 race, which he was able to finally do recently, in Austin Texas, thanks to the generosity and love from his co-workers. Phil’s last days were filled with love, laughter, and good memories.
He is survived by his wife Darcy Lynn Petersen, his son Joshua Martindale, his sister Patricia Zajac, daughter Mary Petersen, sons Chase Petersen, Max Petersen, and his grandchildren; Leonard Phillip Garcia, Maximus Jeffrey Frazier, Aiden Lee Petersen, and Amya Petersen. He is preceded in death by his mother, Doris Petersen, father Alfred Petersen, and his two brothers, David Petersen, and Robert Petersen.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, January 17, 2020, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024.
“Don’t Cry Because It’s Over, Smile Because It Happened.” – Dr. Suess
Condolences for the family may be left at www.simplycremationaz.com.
Kenneth “Cat” Kitaguchi
God has taken another Angel home on the 29th day of November 2019. Kenneth Kitaguchi passed away in his home surrounded by his wife and partner in life of 36 years, Wendy (Chadwick).
Kenneth was born on August 28, 1959, in Los Angeles, California. He moved to Texas with his family before they eventually landed in Phoenix, Arizona where he attended Greenway High School. Kenneth took 1st place in the State of Arizona for his Jewelry and belt buckles that he made by hand for his favorite band The Charlie Daniel’s Band. They appreciated his work so much they dedicated the song, “Long Haired County Boy” to him. From them, he acquired his nickname and logo “Cat”.
Ken started his own business building custom homes “Sa Hu Construction”. He also created a patent on the Buddy Tool used in construction. Ken eventually retired and began to enjoy his hobbies of hiking in the mountains, panning for gold, playing his harmonica, and playing chess. He would never turn down an opportunity to challenge someone to a new game of chess, especially if he knew he would be the winner.
Ken is survived by his wife Wendy Kitaguchi, mother Betty Garcia, four Brothers Ben, Terry, Tome and Sam Jr., two nieces Briar and Chelsea, and one nephew Kyle Kitaguchi. He is preceded in death by his Father Sam S. Kitaguchi Sr.
Until We Meet Again My Friend Eternal Love Forever Always…
Patricia Pepe
Patricia Pepe, age 68, of Surprise Arizona, died on November 25th 2019 of colon cancer. She was born to Albert and Rose Buffa in Illinois. Growing up, Patricia had a large family and from the very beginning family was the center of her life.
Patricia loved her family and treated everyone in her life as if they were one of her own. She had three beautiful children, who she absolutely adored. She was always trying to feed her kids, their friends, grandkids, and anyone else who may have stopped by. “Can I fix you something to eat” and “have you eaten today” were some of her most common phrases. Her sauce and meatballs were legendary amongst those who knew her; it was a treat any time she made them.
There is a phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” but those who knew Patricia know that “She is the village”. She cared not only for her own children but she also ran her own daycare and helped raise countless of others and helped them to grow into kind and caring adults. At daycare, her kids didn’t just get a lunch made for them, they got to sit down and have their orders taken. She gave them multiple options to choose from and had her own children walk around and take orders so she could make each kid their own customized lunch.
When her children grew older and created families of their own, Patricia found new life in being a grandma. She spent as much time as she could with her grandchildren and spoiled them as much as possible. She gave each child a special nickname unique to them. Even when she became too tired to go out and play with her grandkids, she made sure that her daughter-in-law, Tiffany, left the door open so she could listen to them playing in the next room. She never went a day without reminding each kid “I love you more.”
Outside of working and raising her children, Patricia loved to shop. She was always coming home with something new, sometimes for herself, but most of the time it was for her grandkids. Patricia also loved the sun, music, gardenias, and tending to her garden.
Her smiling and giving attitude will be missed by all. Patricia is survived by her children Sebastiano Pepe, Antonio Pepe, Giana Rose Allen, her sister Kathleen Jo Valzino, brother Albert Buffa and 8 grandchildren Alexander “Peanut” Pepe, Logan “Boo-Boo” Pepe, Skyla (Sky) Pepe, Dalayna (Dea) Pepe, Lyliana (Buggie) Pepe, Maximus “Sugar” Pepe, Easton “Hawk” Allen, and Gabriella “Skinny Legs” Pepe.
Herbert “Herb” Whitmore
Herbert “Herb” Whitmore died in Goodyear Arizona on November 19th, 2019 of natural causes. He was born on May 11th, 1936, To Raymond and Laura Whitmore, St. Joseph, Missouri. Herb proudly served in the United States Navy as a Seaman recruit from 1956-1958.
In 1959 Herb met his future wife Janet, four months later Herb and Janet were married and went on to spend 60 years,4 months, 15 days together in marital bliss.
Herb was a man of many hobbies. During the ’60-’70s, Herb dove for abalone along the California coast. Herb was a member of the Four Ever Four Cylinder car club and was a master at restoring Model “A” Fords, for many years. He participated in many racing competitions throughout California and the Midwest. Herb also found a passion for making and selling custom knives.
Herb will always be remembered for his happy go lucky attitude and the deep memories he made with his friends and family.
Herb was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Kathy Flook and Phyllis Prince. He is survived by his long loving wife Janet, two sons, Herb Jr. and John, two brothers, Harold and Harry Whitmore. Close friends Victor J.R. Garcia, Ron and Valerie Schwartz.
Janet Marie Schmitt
Janet Marie Schmitt, age 72 of Surprise Arizona died December 1st 2019 of natural causes. She was born March 18th 1947 to Carl Rybicki and Mary Braun in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She worked many years as a Medical Assistant. She is survived by her son Eric Schmitt.
Arrangements are under the direction of Simply Cremation and Funeral Arrangements in Surprise, Arizona.
Brenda L. Porter
Brenda Leigh Porter, age 63, of Buckeye, Arizona passed away on November 9th 2019 after losing her battle with breast cancer. She was born, December 18th 1955, as the much loved daughter of Albert and Mary Ann Cote. Brenda grew up in Missoula, Montana where she met her husband Gregory Porter before moving to Seattle, Washington. They moved to Buckeye, Arizona in 2008.
Brenda, lovingly described as “highly tolerable” by her family, was a loving wife and dedicated mother who always put her daughters, Alisha Wheeler and Tasha Mitchell, first. When her girls where young she left her job as a teacher to care for them full time, while her husband followed his dreams and traveled for his job. She was the “perfect mom” and being a mother came naturally to her and if asked she would proudly say that her girls and the family she built with her husband were her greatest accomplishment. Brenda was never afraid to get her hands dirty and work hard. She worked countless hours on her home in Seattle, Washington adding on additions to the home.
As a stay at home mom, she knew how to make growing up an adventure. Every day with her kids was a new chance to teach them something. Brenda was a big believer in the saying that “education doesn’t end when a child leaves the classroom”. She would sit down every day to help her girls with their homework, spent hours creating fun chore charts to make cleaning enjoyable, and always had some new activity planned for each break in the school year. Brenda spent as much time with her family as possible and always made them her top priority; she never missed anything, from sports, school activities, to awards nights and school fairs she was there for her girls every step of the way.
She spent years teaching her daughters how to be strong; how to never let life’s ups and downs keep you from moving forward. She taught these lessons not only with words but, through her actions every day. Even throughout her battle with cancer she never once complained and would always say “Oh, I’m fine” when asked how she was, even on her worst days.
Never one to be conventional, Brenda took her daughter Tasha to get her first tattoo at 14 years old. Originally opposed to the idea she was convinced by Tasha after being told “I have good grades, I play sports, I don’t drink or do drugs, and I’m not having sex. I just want a tattoo.” After making sure Tasha had the money to pay for it herself Brenda took her daughter in to their local tattoo shop.
As her children grew older and her husband traveled less for work Brenda reentered the work force and began a long and successful career in sales. She loved her job and it showed. Brenda was beloved by her coworkers and customers alike for her bubbly attitude and kind nature. She worked up until the week before her death at Marcone Supply. When she wasn’t working, Brenda enjoyed spending time with her family playing card games, crafting beautiful quilts, reading a good book, or riding her Indian Motorcycle.
Her love for her family and their closeness was not limited to her husband and children. One of Brenda’s favorite family events was each year, when her mother, Mary Ann, would visit in November. Brenda would go get tickets for the Coyotes versus Avalanche hockey game and make an event out of it. When it came to her siblings, Nancy, Pat, Mark and their families, she would go “out of her way” to spend time with them. Brenda never passed up the opportunity to spend time with any of her family members, especially her grandchildren.
She loved being a grandmother and spending time with her grandchildren, Keelan and Rilynn. There were countless weekends that Keelan and Rilynn spent with her, having sleepovers, watching movies, swimming in the pool, playing hide and seek, and many other fun things. Through all of the fun, Brenda instilled two things in her grandchildren that they will forever carry with them; a good sense of family and love in their hearts.
Brenda had a signature whistle; the one that signaled her kids to come home from playing outside. Gregory will never forget the way she talked in her sleep almost as if she was still awake. Her classic “oh geez,” will always bring laughter to those who knew her. Let us all remember the important lessons Brenda taught us; always be kind and giving. Be accepting of everyone because everyone needs someone and most importantly don’t forget to tell your family “I love you to the moon and back.”
